The Best of Krakow: Private Half-Day Highlights Tour

Krakow , Poland

The Best of Krakow: Private Half-Day Highlights Tour

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About this experience

Uncover the essence of Kraków on this private 4-hour walking tour, led by an expert local guide. Begin at Wawel Castle, the former royal residence, where you’ll explore the opulent State Rooms and visit the Wawel Cathedral, home to the Sigismund Bell and royal tombs. Stroll along the historic Royal Route into the UNESCO-listed Old Town, passing architectural gems like the Baroque Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the fortress-like St. Andrew’s Church. Along the way, discover the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest in the world, and hear tales of its most famous alumnus, Nicolaus Copernicus. In the lively Market Square, admire the Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower, and the stunning St. Mary’s Basilica—home to the iconic hourly trumpet call. With personalized commentary and rich storytelling, this tour offers a perfect overview of Kraków’s royal history, cultural treasures, and timeless charm.

Available options

The Best of Krakow: Private Half-Day Highlights Tour

What's included

Entrance tickets to Wawel Cathedral

Entrance tickets to the Wawel Royal Castle including the State Rooms

Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

Entrance ticket to St. Mary’s Basilica

A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

beginning at the illustrious Wawel Hill and winding through the city’s most iconic landmarks before culminating in the magnificent Market Square. With your expert private guide, you'll uncover the stories, secrets, and splendour of Poland’s former royal capital.

Stop 2

Visit Wawel Castle, which was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world (tickets included). Here, admire the richly decorated interiors of the State Rooms, the medieval residence of Polish kings.

Stop 3

See the Wawel Cathedral, Poland's national sanctuary and former coronation site (tickets included). Then. follow the Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town.

Stop 4

your guide will lead you down the legendary Royal Route, the same path once taken by monarchs and dignitaries as they paraded through Krakow’s Old Town. Along the way, you can admire architectural gems like the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, a masterpiece of Baroque grandeur, and the formidable St. Andrew’s Church, one of the city's oldest structures. You’ll see the massive stone walls, narrow windows, and small defensive openings for archers, built back in the 11th century to withstand invasions from Krakow’s enemies.

Stop 5

you’ll step inside the breathtaking St. Mary’s Basilica, home to an extraordinary Gothic altarpiece and the intriguing bugle call that sounds from its tower every hour. Your guide can explain the legend behind this distinctive musical interlude, which underlines the basilica’s significance in Krakow’s history.

What's not included

Hotel pick up/drop off

Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way

Gratuities (optional)

Transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your tour guide will meet you at the entrance to Księgarnia Archidiecezjalna at Floriana Straszewskiego 2, 31-101 Kraków, Poland

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.